Gesture-Based Device Coupling via Optical Signal Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in connecting personal devices, such as handheld devices, with other devices like stationary devices due to the complexity of near field circuits and the need for close proximity, as well as the challenge of identifying suitable connectivity options from a long list of devices with similar names.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first electronic device outputs a request to communicatively couple with a second device in response to a specific gesture performed by the user, using signals like electromagnetic radiation, visual patterns, or radio frequency signals, allowing for easier connection without the need for close proximity or complex circuitry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If near field circuits are used for connecting devices, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and requirement for close proximity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcircuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical near field circuit connections with optical signal transmission. The system uses visual patterns and electromagnetic radiation to establish connections between devices, eliminating the need for complex near field circuitry while maintaining connection reliability through non-contact optical communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces visual patterns and electromagnetic signals as intermediaries between devices. Instead of direct circuit contact, devices communicate through emitted and detected visual patterns, allowing connection establishment without complex direct circuitry or close proximity requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If near field circuits are used for connecting devices, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to close proximity requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical proximity-based near field communication with optical signal transmission. Devices can establish connections by detecting visual patterns from a distance, eliminating the need for close physical proximity while maintaining reliable connection establishment through optical detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If devices are identified from a long list of connectivity options, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in identification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoiddevice identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual patterns and electromagnetic radiation characteristics as identifying features for devices. Instead of relying on device names or lists, users can identify target devices through their emitted visual patterns, making device identification intuitive and eliminating the need to navigate through connectivity lists.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Ease of operation

If gesture-based connection request is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to gesture detection requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoidgesture detection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates gesture detection functionality into existing device sensors and processing capabilities. The same sensors used for other device functions (accelerometers, gyroscopes, touchscreens) are utilized for gesture recognition, allowing connection initiation through gestures without adding significant dedicated complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables users to connect devices more intuitively and efficiently by detecting predetermined gestures, simplifying the process of establishing a connection and allowing for data transfer between devices, even when they are not in close proximity.

Implementation Method 1

outputting, with the first electronic device, a request to communicatively couple with the second electronic device in response to a gesture performed with the first electronic device... outputting from the second electronic device a response to the received request... The signal may comprise one or more of: electromagnetic radiation, such as light, a visual pattern, and/or a radio frequency signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10394331B2Devices and methods for establishing a communicative coupling in response to a gesture

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A method and a device are disclosed, whereby the device can be a first electronic device. The first electronic device is adapted to be coupled to a second electronic device. The method comprises outputting, with the first device, a request to communicatively couple with a second device in response to a gesture performed with the first device. The second electronic device and method of operating it are also disclosed.